Calgary firefighter who died fighting Jasper wildfire identified

The firefighter who died after being struck by a falling tree on Aug. 3while fighting wildfires near Jasper, Alta., has been identified as Morgan Kitchen.

In social media posts, family and friends say the 24-year-oldwas the fatally injured Alberta Wildlife crew member. Kitchen was a resident of Calgary and based out of the Rocky Mountain House fire base.

According to the Jasper Wildfire Complex Unified Command, which is comprised of members of bothParks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper, the incidenthappened around 2 p.m. MT.

The firefighter's crew provided first aid before Jasper National Park visitor safety specialists and the Alberta Wildfire unit used a wheeled stretcher to bring Kitchen to the nearest helipad.

From there, he wasflown to the Parks Canada operations compound in Jasper, where a STARS air ambulance was waiting.

"Tragically, despite efforts of the first responders and STARS air ambulance team specialists, the injured firefighter did not survive and was pronounced deceased shortly after transfer to STARS," officials said.

In a tribute posted to Facebook, Kitchen was described as "a talented athlete, musician, singer, comedian and actor."

"He could have been a gifted teacher, but he was wired to be a first responder," the post said.

Kitchen's mother, Joni Avram, provideda statement to CBC News through a family friend. Shewrote that her son died doing what he loved in the place that he loved with the people he loved.

"He wanted nothing more than to be in community with other courageous and committed people doing meaningful work. We are grateful to his crew for their care following his injury and for the support of the entire Alberta Wildfire community. We are comforted knowing he brought joy and laughter to the many people who called him a friend," the statement said.

Kitchen was a former member ofthe CanadianArmed Forces and the British Royal Marines.

In an email, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence told CBC News thatKitchenjoinedthe Primary Reserve in February 2020 and was released in August2022. He was a private with the Calgary Highlanderswho served as an infantryman. He had no deployments.

"We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friendsand former colleagues during this difficult time," the emailsaid.

Kitchen is survived by his parents, step-parentsand six siblings.